First of the Lasts
This graduation season has been full - and I’ve needed time this week to process all the happenings. Maybe it’s because, like many of you, this is my first child to finish high school. But it could also be that it’s my first time celebrating this milestone in America.
When I matriculated in South Africa, we spent the last day of school signing each other’s white shirts with a Sharpie. It was our way of saying goodbye to each other (and the uniforms we no longer needed to wear)! So when the time came to order caps and gowns and stoles and cords for Megan, I realized this was going to be another immigrant learning curve. And I was ready!
We started May with several themed grad parties and I volunteered my taxi services to Megan and her friends to see what it was all about. I had my reservations (getting most of my information from American movies), and was instead entertained as I watched kids stream out of the party venues having danced their feet off dressed as anything from a peeled banana for Jungle night to a group of flappers right out of The Great Grads-by. So. Much. Fun.
After the parties, were their final exams, but this seemed to be overshadowed by the who-got-in-where-announcements as college decision day approached. There were tears and cheers and all the emotions in between as it started to dawn on the class of 700 students that they’d soon be heading in more than 355 different directions to colleges around the world.
Then came the first of all the Lasts. Last choir concert (where Megan debuted her song Quiet), last piano recital (playing a duet with Eliza), last time to celebrate with her peers from youth group, last time to visit Eanes Elementary, and last time to drive Katie to school. And let’s not forget the last dance, prom, where Megan wore the bridesmaid dress my mom made me for my sisters wedding in 1997. I knew these wouldn’t be the last tears I’d shed.
Because then came Monday when she finally donned the cap and gown with the stoles and cords for her achievements. We headed downtown to the Moody Center to watch her senior class walk the stage and Megan’s choir sing the national anthem together for the last time. And then the moment came where, just like the movies, they flung their caps into the air with joy and we all cheered with pride.
If celebration is one of the key steps in affirming and acknowledging a transition, then Westlake High, you’ve exceeded expectations.
Go Chaps! Class of 2023.